Space Weather

Atmospheric Dynamics

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Welcome to the Institute of Space and Atmospheric Studies

Sunlight and the glow of the moon are what we traditionally think of as the sun's influence on Earth, but visible light is only part of the energy given to us by our star. Solar flares and sunspots, usually hidden from us, lead to the ejection of energetic particles that flood the solar system, including the neighbourhood of the earth. These particles, as well as light in the x-ray and ultraviolet part of the spectrum, interact with the earth's protective magnetic field and atmosphere. The study of the relationships between the sun and the earth's magnetic field and atmosphere is described as "Solar Terrestrial Physics". Studies of the atmospheres of other planets in the solar system involves the field of "Planetary astronomy". These studies are the focus of the Institute of Space and Atmospheric Studies.